Pettitte Ends Drama-Filled Free Agency Experience
Yesterday the Yankees added their left-handed centerfield savant in the form of Curtis Granderson. Their newest admission to the majestic pinstripes is a returning member: southpaw Andy Pettitte as Joel Sherman is reporting the sides have agreed upon a one-year deal worth $11.75M.
Most people may have not even realized that Pettitte was a free agent since he seemed fairly content to simply remaining a Yankee. He will turn 38 next summer but the guy can still pitch. Last season Pettitte held an xFIP of 4.38 and in the previous two seasons of 3.73 and 4.35. Each of those is coming in the American League East as well, so he’s not exactly plastering road kill to the mount above his mantle as much as going toe-to-toe with a bunch of lions and bears.
Compare that to a similar free agent, Randy Wolf, who is roughly four years younger and looking at a potential three-year deal, and it seems odd that Pettitte cared not to shop himself around, even to cross-town rival Mets, since he ostensibly enjoys the New York lifestyle. Against weaker competition Wolf has posted xFIP of 4.17, 4.29, and 4.36 and he’s on the verge of a multiple year deal.
Of course, maybe it has to do with the fact the Yankees gave him nearly $12M which few other teams could or would have. The Fans project Pettitte to be worth nearly 3 WAR next season. Pettitte has always been someone paid fewer dollars than his performances have called for. Since 2002 he’s earned roughly $118M in free agent dollars, but only paid around $83M. Over the past few seasons he’s consistently been around a 3.5-4 win pitcher, and while you have to take age into account, this is the Yankees and this deal doesn’t seem too far-fetched.
“it seems odd that Pettitte cared not to shop himself around, even to cross-town rival Mets, since he ostensibly enjoys the New York lifestyle.”
It’s not the New York lifestyle he cares for. That’s actually the part of the deal that has him considering retirement each year. It’s annual World Series contender part that he cares about.
Very true. Glad to see the Yankees get this wrapped up early for once. Pettitte is still a solid mid-rotation starter in the AL East. I think they need to sign one more SP for depth (I’m talking Sheets/Duchscherer territory, not Lackey territory) in case someone goes down or when Hughes hits his inevitable innings cap. All in all though, Sabathia, Burnett, Pettitte, Chamberlain, and Hughes is a pretty decent rotation. Not one without question marks, but better than most, and with that lineup that’s all they need.
I think the big deal with Pettitte was signing with the Yankees, not staying in New York. He is from Texas, after all, and is a big family man. After 2003 he signed a three year deal with the Astros that was (reportedly) significantly less lucrative than the Yankees’ offer. He keeps saying over and over that he wants to finish his career with the Yankees, but I wonder if he’d be able to turn down a similar offer from the Astros, if it were on the table. Regardless of the circumstance, a good signing for the Yankees.